2008 JEEP COMPASS check engine light

replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
Change Oil Message
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªChange Oilº message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style. Unless reset, this message
will continue to display each time you turn the ignition
switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message
temporarily, press and release the Trip Odometer button
on the instrument cluster. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
refer to the following procedure.1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
25. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance or
vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an accident.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
5

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possible loose or
improperly installed. A GASCAP message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
a9clicking9sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
reset button to turn off the message. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the Manual Transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
366 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 244
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 331
Adding Fuel........................... 279
Adding Washer Fluid..................122,153
Additives, Fuel......................... 277
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 323
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 325
Air Conditioning Controls................. 214
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 220
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............325,326
Air Conditioning System................214,325
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 257
Airbag................................ 46
Airbag Deployment.....................50,52
Airbag Light.....................51,54,67,161
Airbag Maintenance....................... 54
Airbag, Side............................ 52
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............46,52
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............18,164Alignment and Balance................... 264
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 211
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........330,360,361
Capacities........................... 360
Disposal............................ 333
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............126,244
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Appearance Care........................ 341
Automatic Door Locks...................27,28
Automatic Transaxle...........12,227,232,298,339
Fluid Level Check...................... 339
Interlock System....................... 233
Overheating.......................... 298
Selection Of Lubricant................... 339
Shifting............................. 234
Special Additives...................... 339
Autostick............................. 236
382 INDEX

Carrier, Luggage........................ 154
Catalytic Converter...................... 321
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 66
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............183,190
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 214
Cellular Phone........................76,214
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 358
Chains, Tire............................ 265
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 298
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 249
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 314
Child Restraint.......................... 57
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 61
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 60
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Child Seat.............................. 63
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 276
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 343Climate Control......................... 214
Clock........................182,185,193,205
Clutch............................... 337
Clutch Fluid........................... 337
Coin Holder........................... 147
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 214
Compact Spare Tire...................... 260
Compass.............................. 180
Compass Calibration..................... 180
Compass Variance....................... 178
Console.............................. 147
Contract, Service........................ 374
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................360,361
Cooling System......................... 329
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 331
Coolant Level......................330,333
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 333
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 330
Inspection........................... 333
384 INDEX

Flooded Engine Starting................... 228
Fluid, Brake........................... 362
Fluid Capacities......................... 360
Fluid Leaks............................. 67
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 339
Fluids................................ 361
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 361
Fog Lights....................... 116,169,353
Fold Down Speakers..................... 152
Folding Rear Seat........................ 109
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 109
Four Wheel Drive....................... 238
Systems............................. 238
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 238
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 305
Fuel..............................275,361
Adding............................. 279
Additives............................ 277Capacity............................ 360
Clean Air............................ 276
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 279
Filter............................... 323
Gasoline............................ 275
Gauge.............................. 160
Hoses.............................. 335
Light............................... 161
Octane Rating........................ 275
Requirements......................... 275
System Hoses......................... 335
Tank Capacity........................ 360
Fuel System Caution..................... 280
Fueling............................... 279
Fuses................................ 347
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 134
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............279,280,314
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 276
INDEX 387
10

Bulb Replacement...................... 351
Cargo .............................. 148
Center Mounted Stop................... 358
Daytime Running...................... 115
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 114
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 130
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 163
Fog .......................... 116,169,353
Headlight Switch...................... 114
Headlights........................... 114
High Beam Indicator.................... 161
Instrument Cluster..................... 114
License............................. 356
Lights On Reminder.................... 115
Low Fuel............................ 161
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 168
Map Reading......................... 113
Off-Road............................ 118
Oil Pressure.......................... 161Seat Belt Reminder..................... 162
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 18
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 164
Traction Control....................... 130
Turn Signal.................. 114,117,161,354
Voltage............................. 160
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 160
Loading Vehicle......................... 281
Tires ............................... 252
Locks
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 26
Power Door........................... 27
Steering Wheel......................... 14
Lubrication, Body....................... 327
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 154
Lumbar Support........................ 105
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 324
390 INDEX